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Memories & Candles

“MANY HAPPY MEMORIES OF GARY, RUNNING THE FLAG, AND NUMEROUS ALPHA RHO SERVICE PROJECTS. A VERY CARING MAN WHO LED A VERY CARING LIFE -- ALWAYS...Read More »
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1 of 72 | Posted by: SUL ROSS (SR) THORWARD - SITKA, AK

“I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Munneke. He was a unique combination of professionalism, intellect and good humor. I loved his...Read More »
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2 of 72 | Posted by: Jen Gero, Pace Law Class of 2002 - MA

“It is difficult to find the words to express my gratitude for all of the lessons that Professor Munneke taught me as both a law professor and as a...Read More »
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4 of 72 | Posted by: Rachel Tzapp - New York, NY

“I just learned about Gary's passing and am still reeling. Gary was so passionate about law practice management, always coming up with new projects...Read More »
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5 of 72 | Posted by: Carolyn Thornlow - NY - Colleague

“I just found out about Gary's passing. Gary was one of the first people I met when I transitioned from practicing law to doing legal technology...Read More »
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6 of 72 | Posted by: Carol Schlein - Montclair, NJ

“Sharon & Family,
May God's blessings comfort you at this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and love to all of you.
”
7 of 72 | Posted by: Debbie - Milford, DE - Friend

“I was lucky to get to know Gary as a fellow member of the New York delegation to the ABA House of Delegates for many years. Gary was a gift to his...Read More »
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8 of 72 | Posted by: Hon. Elizabeth S Stong - Brooklyn, NY

“I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to know Gary. While the times that I had the pleasure of being in his company were few, he...Read More »
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9 of 72 | Posted by: Deb Markwood - Wilmington, DE

“I am deeply sorry to learn of Professor Munneke's passing. His passion for the law and his students served as a true inspiration for all. Professor...Read More »
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10 of 72 | Posted by: Michael Palitz - New York, NY

“Sharon, I just learned of the sad news and share the thoughts of those who posted already. I enjoyed getting to know you and Gary at ABA Board...Read More »
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11 of 72 | Posted by: Ira Pilchen - Chicago, IL

“I was shocked to learn of Gary's sudden passing. When I first started teaching Law Practice Management, Gary became my mentor and support system He...Read More »
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12 of 72 | Posted by: Richard Granat - FL - colleague

“Devastated to hear this news. I have so many wonderful memories of Gary and Gary and Sharon together during my time with him on the Standing...Read More »
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13 of 72 | Posted by: Diana Moro - Philadelphia, PA

“I'm still shocked by the sudden passing of Prof. Munneke. He played a major role throughout my life at Pace Law School. I will never forget his smile...Read More »
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14 of 72 | Posted by: Ramona Walewangko - Jakarta

“I was shocked to hear from my sister of Gary's passing.
He was my best friend in junior high and high school. What an influence he was on my growing...Read More »
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15 of 72 | Posted by: John Lutz - Fairfield, IA

“How heartwarming to read the many tributes from former students. In a way we're all in that category, as Gary generously shared his knowledge, ideas...Read More »
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17 of 72 | Posted by: Carroll Stevens - Mill Valley, CA

“It was my pleasure to have worked with Gary while we both worked at Delaware Law School where on one occasion I assisted him as a secretary in one of...Read More »
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18 of 72 | Posted by: Linda (Hahs) Flaharty - PA

“The past and future Chairs of the Section of International Law of the American Bar Association join me in expressing our sadness at Gary's passing. ...Read More »
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19 of 72 | Posted by: Barton Legum - Paris, France

“Joan joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Sharon and the rest of Gary's family. Gary and I met through the Law Practice Managment (LPM)...Read More »
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20 of 72 | Posted by: Harold Burstyn - Syracuse, NY

“Professor Gary Munneke was my law school professor for professional responsibility and for a directed study project in 2006/2007. From the moment...Read More »
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21 of 72 | Posted by: Joseph Remy - New York, NY

“Gary taught at the U. of Baltimore School of Law during my tenure as Dean of the school. He was an excellent teacher and popular with the students. ...Read More »
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22 of 72 | Posted by: Laurence M. Katz - Baltimore, MD

“I met Gary and Sharon while teaching at Widener Law School in Wilmington. Gary was just such a big presence in person. His personality and optimism...Read More »
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23 of 72 | Posted by: Bruce I. Kogan - Bristol, RI

“Gary was a wonderful mentor to me and I treasure the time spent with Gary and Sharon in New Hampshire. He was a generous and kind person and will be...Read More »
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24 of 72 | Posted by: Dixie Lee Peterson - Northbrook, IL

“Professor Munneke was my Torts professor in my first year at law school at White Plains. I will always remember him as one of the best professors I...Read More »
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25 of 72 | Posted by: Angela Higgins - White Plains, NY

“I had the pleasure of working with Gary as a staff member of the NYSBA. He was a prolific author, member of the NYSBA Journal Board of Editors and...Read More »
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26 of 72 | Posted by: Dan McMahon - Albany, NY

“I was so surprised and saddened today to learn of Gary's passing. I saw him just this year at an ABA meeting and we shared some humor and memories. I...Read More »
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27 of 72 | Posted by: Jack Sahl - Akron, OH

“In law school you don't get many professors who could actually make the law interesting and fun, and prof Munneke did both. He didnt make things...Read More »
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28 of 72 | Posted by: Terri Booker, Esq - Philadelphia, PA

“Gary was very helpful to me when he was Placement Dean at UT Law School in 1980. We re-connected many years later in New York. It was an honor when...Read More »
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29 of 72 | Posted by: Barry Seidel - Forest Hills, NY

“Gary was a remarkable guy. In a world that seems impersonal and impatient, Gary had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and important. ...Read More »
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30 of 72 | Posted by: Cheryl Niro - Chicago, IL

“Please accept my condolences on Gary's passing. He reached out to me as a then-junior legal ethics scholar writing on an area of interest and concern...Read More »
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31 of 72 | Posted by: Paul Paton - Sacramento, CA

“Gary was a very special person - to me (and, I am sure, many others) mentor, supporter, friend, as well as for me my publisher and co-author. He...Read More »
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32 of 72 | Posted by: Anthony Davis - New York, NY

“I was very sorry to learn today of Gary's passing. I worked closely with him for many years at the American Bar Association and I valued him as a...Read More »
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33 of 72 | Posted by: Joe Weintraub - Chicago, IL

“I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Governors with Gary as well as on the New York State Bar Association's Task Force on the Future of the...Read More »
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34 of 72 | Posted by: Lauren Stiller Rikleen - Wayland, MA

“Sharon: Cathy and I were in NYC with our kids when we heard of Gary's passing. What a tragedy and we grieve with you. As you know, Gary was an...Read More »
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35 of 72 | Posted by: Bucky Askew - Atlanta, GA

“To the family and friends of Gary, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Gary was a good and fine man. I had the distinct pleasure of working...Read More »
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36 of 72 | Posted by: Myles V. Lynk - Tempe, AZ

“Dear Sharon and family -- am stunned and saddened by Gary's untimely death. I always thought of him as being "larger than life". He adored all of...Read More »
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37 of 72 | Posted by: Kate Madigan - Binghamton, NY

“Gary Munneke was a dedicated and outstanding member of the Pace Law School Community. His warmth and generosity were remarkable, and he supported our...Read More »
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38 of 72 | Posted by: Jane Aoyama-Martin and the Pace Women's Justice Center - NY

“I am so saddened to learn this news. Gary was one of the first to reach out to me when I attended my first ABA SOC meeting and he and I became fast...Read More »
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39 of 72 | Posted by: Toni Jackson - Houston, TX

“I cannot get my mind around the fact that Gary is gone. He was always so full of life. We talked often, and he was a good friend. I owe him so...Read More »
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40 of 72 | Posted by: Marie Newman - White Plains, NY

“It does not seem possible that Gary is gone. He was a wonderful colleague, friend, mentor and professional. After working together in the early 1980...Read More »
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41 of 72 | Posted by: Pamelee McFarland Murphy - RI

“I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Seems like Gary was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Hugs to Ella, Max, Eric and Shannon!Meghan...Read More »
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42 of 72 | Posted by: Meghan Marek - Annapolis, MD

“Sharon and all of Gary's family:
My prayers go out to you this Thanksgiving. I met Gary a few years ago when he was at Texas Law and I was in the...Read More »
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43 of 72 | Posted by: Stephen P. Gallagher - Narberth, PA

“Sharon,So sorry to hear about Gary he will be missed, I will keep you in my prayers. My gods angels comfort you in the days to come. With Deepest...Read More »
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44 of 72 | Posted by: Linda - Port Deposit, MD - friend

“My prayers and sympathy are extended to Gary's family. I had the joy of working closely with Gary, as he led the collaborative group that developed...Read More »
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45 of 72 | Posted by: Cie Armstead - South Holland, IL

“What a loss for all who love the law. Gary was a giant in our preofession who always tempered serious work with good humor and a del;ightful twinkle...Read More »
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46 of 72 | Posted by: William Hubbard - Columbia, SC

“Dear Ms. Sharon,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Gary was a very nice man. We always had a great time when we came to visit you both...Read More »
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47 of 72 | Posted by: Whitney Foard - North East, MD

“Gary Munneke cared deeply about excellence in all aspects of the law, but particularly in the way lawyers actually practice law and deliver services....Read More »
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48 of 72 | Posted by: Peter A. Giuliani - Weston, CT

“Gary was my cousin and although we had not seen each other in many years, Les and Margy had filled me in occasionally on what he and Marla were doing...Read More »
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50 of 72 | Posted by: Melinda Munneke Kimball - TX

“To all of Gary's cherished family and friends,
I want to thank you for the honor of knowing Gary. He supported me with great warmth and enthusiasm...Read More »
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51 of 72 | Posted by: Alexandra Dapolito Dunn - DC

“Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Gary and I were in Boy Scout Troop 16 in Houston and went to the 1964 National Jamboree in Valley...Read More »
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52 of 72 | Posted by: George Hughes - Houston, TX

“I am so deeply saddened by Gary's untimely passing. Gary has been an inspiration to over 130 New Directions participants and graduates, and to...Read More »
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53 of 72 | Posted by: Amy Gewirtz - White Plains, NY

“Gary was my boss, my mentor, my friend. He hired me as the receptionist at the Delaware Law School, then as his assistant, and finally as the...Read More »
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54 of 72 | Posted by: Dottie Hemphill - Earleville, MD

“He was great professor and had so much wisdom. Professor Munneke was great at engaging the students and always had a funny story to tell. I am really...Read More »
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58 of 72 | Posted by: Larry W - Westchester , NY, NY

“Bebop we miss you so very much! You were an amazing dad who was always there for us. We love you....
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59 of 72 | Posted by: Kelly Albanese - Hockessin, DE

“Dear Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your profound loss. Gary was a wonderful person and I was blessed to have had an opportunity to work with...Read More »
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60 of 72 | Posted by: Kathleen Hopkins - Seattle, WA

“My heart is heavy for all those that Gary touched - Loved him and respected him. God has a special angel. Love Grace
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61 of 72 | Posted by: Grace Clayton - Newark, DE

“Dear Sharon
I am devastated by this horrible news. Gary was a wonderful professor and a good ABA friend. I still remember the dinner of ribs and...Read More »
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62 of 72 | Posted by: Swartz - Paris, France - collegue

“MICHAEL first met Gary when we we active in the ABA Young Lawyers long ago. Our paths crossed so many times since then. I observed up close his...Read More »
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64 of 72 | Posted by: Maury Poscover - St. Louis, MO

“To the family of Gary Munneke,I am one of the fortunate members of the New York Delegation to the ABA House of Delegates who has had the privilege to...Read More »
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65 of 72 | Posted by: Patricia Salkin - Central Islip, NY

“Gary was more than a colleague. He was inspiration and thoughtfulness, intelligence and a kind, energetic spirit. We are privileged to have known...Read More »
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67 of 72 | Posted by: Rachel Littman - NewYork, NY

“To the Munneke Famiily,Such sad news to hear, that Gary and his ready smile have left us. Please know that he brought character and professionalism...Read More »
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68 of 72 | Posted by: JoAnne Epps - Shamong, NJ

“I was fortunate to have Gary as the Placement Director of my law school (the University of Texas School of Law) the year I was a senior (1979 - 1980)...Read More »
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69 of 72 | Posted by: Beth Alston - New Orleans, LA

Gary and his wife, Sharon Walla, spent their time between homes in North East, Maryland and Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed teaching Professional Responsibility and Law Practice Management at Pace Law School in White Plains, New York until his passing.

Gary's true love and passion was for his family. He was the beloved spouse of Sharon Clayton Walla; father of Richard (Kim) Munneke of Denver, Colorado; Shannon (Eric) Sprague of Annapolis, Maryland; Kelly Albanese (Patrick Desotelle) of Hockessin, Delaware; and Matthew Munneke of Denver, Colorado; brother of Marla (Jeremy) Wood of Spring, Texas; and a much loved uncle to Taylor Glover, Logan Wood, Elizabeth Clayton, and Logan Clayton. Gary cherished his role as "BeBop" (grandfather) to Kirsten and Dominick Albanese, Ella and Maxwell Sprague, and Jackson Munneke. He also leaves behind scores of friends, students, and colleagues. He was predeceased by his parents Professor Leslie and Margaret Munneke.
Gary loved to travel and was a connoisseur of fine food and wine. He spent countless hours cooking gourmet meals for friends and family. His smart wit and ready laugh made him a friend and mentor to many and loved by all. Those closest to Gary knew that his magnetic personality had even been known to turn lights off when he passed by!

Along with his wife, Gary was very active in their community, supporting Cecil College Foundation, Northern Chesapeake Hospice, Union Hospital Foundation, and other local charitable organizations.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 29, 1947, Gary moved to Texas as a child where he played high school basketball, ran track, and became an Eagle Scout. He obtained a bachelor's and juris doctorate degree from the University of Texas where upon graduation he began a career in law placement. This spawned a life-long interest in law practice management and legal career counseling, about which he spoke extensively and wrote numerous books and articles, including Materials and Cases on Law Practice Management, Law Practice in a Nutshell, Opportunities in Law Careers, the ABA Guide to Legal Marketing, Your New Lawyer, Careers in Law, Barron's Guide to Law School, and many others.

Upon leaving the University of Texas, Professor Munneke assumed the position of Associate Dean, and later Professor, at Delaware Law School (now Widener University School of Law), where he met his wife, Sharon. After his tenure at Widener, he assumed a faculty position at Pace Law School. Gary was a member of the Texas and Pennsylvania bars.

Professor Munneke spent a large part of his career working in leadership positions with the American Bar Association (ABA), including chairing the Law Practice Management Section and being elected to the prestigious ABA Board of Governors. Most recently he served as the liaison to the Board of Governors representing the Section Officers Council (SOC). Previously he served on the ABA Finance Committee of the Section on Legal Education and Bar Admissions, the Law Practice Management Section Task Force on Evolving Business Models for Law Firms, and the Association's Diversity Center Governing Board. In addition to his work with the ABA, Gary had also served as the chair of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Law Practice Management and the president of the National Association of Law Placement.

In recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements, in 2011 Gary received the prestigious Sam Smith Award—the highest honor bestowed by the ABA Law Practice Management Section.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28th, with visitation starting at 5:00 p.m. at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland 21921. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Cecil College Foundation or the Union Hospital Foundation c/o the funeral home.

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Memories & Candles

MANY HAPPY MEMORIES OF GARY, RUNNING THE FLAG, AND NUMEROUS ALPHA RHO SERVICE PROJECTS. A VERY CARING MAN WHO LED A VERY CARING LIFE -- ALWAYS TEACHING AND HELPING OTHERS. "BE A LEADER, BE A FRIEND, BE OF SERVICE" ALL MY CONDLOENCES AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Munneke. He was a unique combination of professionalism, intellect and good humor. I loved his stories about "earl and gas law" which until then I had never realized existed. He was patient, kind and complimentary and he will be sorely missed. My sympathies to his friends and family.

It is difficult to find the words to express my gratitude for all of the lessons that Professor Munneke taught me as both a law professor and as a mentor. He saw his students as more than a mass of bodies, and instead dug deeper to uncover what truly made us share his passion for life and for justice. I will be forever grateful for his patience, guidance, and support throughout my academic career. It is impossible to not be

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It is difficult to find the words to express my gratitude for all of the lessons that Professor Munneke taught me as both a law professor and as a mentor. He saw his students as more than a mass of bodies, and instead dug deeper to uncover what truly made us share his passion for life and for justice. I will be forever grateful for his patience, guidance, and support throughout my academic career. It is impossible to not be deeply affected by his passing so I cannot even begin to imagine how his family must feel. Nevertheless, my prayers and support go out to all of Gary's loved ones with the hope that they know how much he meant to so many of us.

My sincerest condolences,
Rachel Tzapp
Pace Law School, Class of 2012

Posted by: Rachel Tzapp - New York, NY - Former student Mar 11, 2013

I just learned about Gary's passing and am still reeling. Gary was so passionate about law practice management, always coming up with new projects and book ideas and articles. He was so engaged and creative. He got me involved in the LPM section at ABA and tapped me on the shoulder to be editor of a major LPM publication; he wrote the forward to my book.
We tried to stay in touch over the years, saying hello every so often, always

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I just learned about Gary's passing and am still reeling. Gary was so passionate about law practice management, always coming up with new projects and book ideas and articles. He was so engaged and creative. He got me involved in the LPM section at ABA and tapped me on the shoulder to be editor of a major LPM publication; he wrote the forward to my book.
We tried to stay in touch over the years, saying hello every so often, always intending to create some new exciting project. I am so sad that I never got to work with him on the next great idea. The community has lost a truly bright light.

I just found out about Gary's passing. Gary was one of the first people I met when I transitioned from practicing law to doing legal technology consulting. He was a mentor and friend and always there with advice and support. He was generous and kind and a role model to many of us. After working with him on the NYSBA LOEM Committee, he encouraged me to become active in the ABA Law Practice Management Section. He will be sorely missed. My sympathy to Sharon and his family- he spoke about you often with love.

Posted by: Carol Schlein - Montclair, NJ - Friend Jan 17, 2013

Sharon & Family,
May God's blessings comfort you at this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and love to all of you.

Posted by: Debbie - Milford, DE - Friend Jan 16, 2013

I was lucky to get to know Gary as a fellow member of the New York delegation to the ABA House of Delegates for many years. Gary was a gift to his colleagues, his students, and his friends. He brought intelligence, judgment, passion, and kindness to all of his work, and no matter how pressing the business of the moment, he always found time to keep in touch with a friend. He cherished his opportunity to serve in the leadership

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I was lucky to get to know Gary as a fellow member of the New York delegation to the ABA House of Delegates for many years. Gary was a gift to his colleagues, his students, and his friends. He brought intelligence, judgment, passion, and kindness to all of his work, and no matter how pressing the business of the moment, he always found time to keep in touch with a friend. He cherished his opportunity to serve in the leadership of the ABA, and did so without ego or agenda. His untimely passing is a great loss to all who knew him, the bar, and the legal profession - he will be sorely missed.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to know Gary. While the times that I had the pleasure of being in his company were few, he always made me feel like I had known him for a very long time. He was a kind and generous man. He will be missed.

Posted by: Deb Markwood - Wilmington, DE - Friend Dec 08, 2012

I am deeply sorry to learn of Professor Munneke's passing. His passion for the law and his students served as a true inspiration for all. Professor Munneke had a way of invoking humor into any scenario and kept his class engaged regardless of the topic. His loss will be felt in the legal profession, and I hope that we can continue to strive for the ideals that Professor Munneke worked for throughout his career.

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